A global study found that apixaban reduced the risk of stroke and blood clotting by 37% in patients with device-detected atrial fibrillation, also known as sub-clinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF). The medication also reduced fatal or disabling stroke by 49%.
A McMaster University-led analysis reveals persistently high rates of severe maternal trauma during forceps and vacuum deliveries in Canada. The study calls for increased recognition, transparency, and action to prevent these injuries, which have significant short- and long-term consequences for mothers.
A new blood test has been developed to measure the levels of critical omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream, providing a convenient way to assess cardiovascular and cognitive health. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is derived from two key fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which can be obtained only from certain dietary sources.
Researchers found that individuals with previous environmental, social, and nutritional stressors were more likely to die from the flu. This contradicts the widespread belief that healthy young adults were disproportionately affected. The study analyzed skeletal remains of 369 victims and identified lesions as indicators of frailty.
Researchers at McMaster University found that peer-led group cognitive-behavioral therapy delivered online significantly improved symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety in new mothers. The model has the potential to substantially improve access to effective treatment for mothers with postpartum depression.
Women with low-risk breast cancer aged 55 or older can be effectively treated without radiation after surgery, according to new research published in The New England Journal of Medicine. A total of 2.3% of patients experienced recurrence of cancer in the breast five years post-surgery.
A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...
Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.
A McMaster-led research study found that a virtual rehabilitation program for seniors with frailty was highly adhered to and showed improvements in mobility and quality of life. The study's results suggest that virtually delivered care is an alternative to in-person programs, potentially helping prevent decline in bodily functions.
Researchers found that all forms of resistance training are beneficial for building strength and muscle, with details mattering less than previously thought. The study analyzed data from over 5,000 participants and found that complex prescriptions are sufficient but unnecessary for gains in strength and muscle size.
Scientists have discovered the first live culture of Candida auris in dogs, a drug-resistant pathogen that can cause severe infections. The finding suggests pets could act as reservoirs for superbugs, potentially transmitting infections to humans.
A large-scale global study found that consuming six key foods in combination is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The study recommends an average daily intake of two to three servings of fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as well as moderate amounts of fish and whole-fat dairy.
A new packaging tray can signal the presence of Salmonella or other pathogens in raw or cooked food without opening it, preventing exposure to contamination. This technology simplifies lab-based detection processes, saving time and cost in food production.
Researchers have uncovered a key mechanism for promoting weight loss and maintaining energy burn during dieting, thanks to the hormone GDF15. This discovery opens new possibilities for helping people maintain weight loss after dieting.
A recent study found that seven per cent of Aspergillus fumigatus samples from the Three Parallel Rivers region in Yunnan, China were drug resistant, capable of propagating quickly and taking over local populations.
A new study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that ketone supplements impaired performance in well-trained endurance cyclists. The researchers recruited experienced athletes who cycled for five or more hours per week, simulating race conditions before conducting a 20-minute time trial.
A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.
A new study found that living in urban environments with material and social inequities is associated with premature biological aging. Depressive symptoms also accelerate epigenetic age acceleration, regardless of neighborhood deprivation. The researchers used DNA methylation-based estimators to examine aging at the cellular level and ...
Scientists at McMaster University and MIT have used AI to discover a new antibiotic targeting Acinetobacter baumannii, a deadly drug-resistant pathogen. The new antibiotic, abaucin, targets only A. baumannii, reducing the risk of rapid resistance development.
A systematic review of 14 clinical trials found solriamfetol to be the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in people with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Anti-fatigue medications like solriamfetol, armodafinil–modafinil, and pitolisant also showed promise in combating fatigue.
Researchers at McMaster University have found that solriamfetol is the most effective treatment for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A systematic review of 14 clinical trials and analysis of data from various databases revealed solriamfetol to be the best option.
Scientists have found a rare yeast pathogen, Lodderomyces elongisporus, causing neonatal outbreaks in India despite strong disinfectant bleach. The fungus is rapidly evolving and has been linked to hospital equipment and apples treated with fungicides.
McMaster University researchers developed a rapid and inexpensive test for Salmonella contamination in food, which provides accurate results in an hour or less. The test improves food safety, reduces the cost of processing fresh poultry and other foods, and helps limit broad recalls to batches identified as contaminated.
A primary care program promoting health in older adults was successfully implemented but lacked significant clinical benefits. The Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (TAPESTRY) trial found no impact on hospitalizations or physical activity, despite positive effects in a previous study.
A large-scale population health study found that tobacco users in Canada have higher levels of thiocyanate, a biomarker of cyanide exposure. This may be due to the type of cigarettes smoked in high-income countries, which are engineered to be less harmful but still pose significant health risks.
A global study involving McMaster University researchers has trialled a potential new treatment for hemophilia A, a life-threatening genetic blood disorder. Once-weekly injections of efanesoctocog alfa can prevent bleeding and promote near-normal activity by the clotting agent factor VIII.
A team of researchers, including Holger Schünemann, are creating evidence-based guidelines to identify, prevent, assess, and manage post-COVID-19 condition. The guidelines aim to improve the lives of Canadians affected by long COVID.
A longitudinal study reveals Yersinia pestis, the bacteria that causes plague, was reintroduced into the Danish population from other parts of Europe again and again, with devastating effects. The analysis, reported today in Current Biology, identified plague for the first time from medieval Denmark.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that redesigned medical alarms with musical tones can improve speech recognition and reduce annoyance. The study suggests that changing the sounds of medical devices can make alarms less disruptive, allowing for better staff communication and reducing recovery times.
A single injection of pegylated interferon lambda has been shown to effectively treat early-stage COVID-19, reducing the need for hospitalization and emergency room visits. The treatment has also been found to work on all variants of the virus, making it a potential pan-virus intervention.
Researchers found that orienteering can improve spatial navigation and memory in healthy adults, suggesting it could be a useful intervention to prevent cognitive decline. The sport's unique combination of physical exercise and navigational skills may stimulate parts of the brain that are no longer needed due to modern conveniences.
Researchers analyzed over 600 genome sequences to chart the complex history of Y. pestis, the bacterium that causes plague. They found an unstable molecular clock and identified five populations throughout history, including ancient pandemic lineages.
Researchers at McMaster University found that long-term consumption of Allura Red AC can harm gut health and promote inflammation. The study suggests a link between the synthetic food dye and inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Researchers at McMaster University have created a food-safe and highly effective disinfectant spray using microscopic beads loaded with phages. The spray can eliminate E. coli 0157 in lettuce and meat, promising applications in food processing and treatment of irrigation water.
A randomized trial involving 1,009 healthcare workers in Canada, Egypt, Israel, and Pakistan found that surgical masks were not statistically less effective than N95 respirators in preventing COVID-19 infections. The study provides evidence for the use of surgical masks as an alternative to N95 masks during routine patient care.
An international study found that flu vaccines significantly reduce pneumonia, hospitalization, and cardiovascular deaths in people with heart failure. The study, led by McMaster University researchers, showed a 40% reduction in pneumonia and 15% reduction in hospitalization.
Researchers found that blocking DHODH enzyme halts cancer growth in mouse models, sparing healthy brain cells. This potential treatment pathway shows promise for future clinical trials, offering a non-toxic alternative to current treatments.
Researchers have developed a way to load potent antibiotics like Polymyxin B into red blood cells, allowing them to selectively target and kill drug-resistant bacteria. This technology could help address the ongoing antibiotic resistance crisis and deliver drugs more quickly and directly to specific sites in the body.
Researchers analyzed DNA from victims and survivors of the Black Death to identify genetic differences that determined who lived and died. The study found four genes involved in immune defense against pathogens, with versions of these genes linked to increased susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.
A McMaster University research team found that a map-based recommendations website is more accessible and effective than traditional websites in distributing public health guidelines during crises.
A polypill combining blood pressure lowering agents, statins, and aspirin could avoid millions of premature deaths and cardiovascular disease cases annually. Its widespread availability would be affordable for most people globally, reducing CVD risk substantially.
A simple symptom-based screening tool, Childhood Asthma Risk Tool (CHART), predicts asthma risk in children as young as two years old. With 91% accuracy, CHART identifies high-risk kids and recommends follow-up actions to prevent hospitalizations.
A McMaster University study found that switching to non-opioid painkillers after surgery can significantly reduce opioid consumption and improve patient outcomes. The six-week study enrolled 193 patients who received either standard opioid-based painkillers or a combination therapy of naproxen, acetaminophen, and pantoprazole.
A study found that most people with long COVID (persistent symptoms) recover within 12 months. However, some patients still experience symptoms and may benefit from seeing a rheumatologist for autoimmune disorder assessment.
A large international study of 156,000 people from 21 countries found that women have lower CVD risk than men, especially at younger ages. However, diet was more strongly associated with CVD risk in women than men, while high cholesterol and depression were more common risk factors for men.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a previously unknown bacteria-killing toxin that targets essential RNA molecules in other bacteria. This breakthrough discovery could lead to the development of new antibiotics by exploiting this vulnerability.
A new study challenges long-held ideas about what drove major changes in ancient Greek society on the island of Crete. Researchers found that the population remained local, with significant continuity in daily practices despite Mycenaean influence.
Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a combination of antiviral drugs and antibody therapies that is more effective than either approach alone. The combination boosts the virus-fighting properties of antibodies, which work by binding to infected cells and triggering the immune system to kill them.
A new device replicates short sections of human blood vessels allowing for variable flow conditions that mimic the body. Researchers can now watch what's happening inside treated grafts down to individual cells.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that some bacteria use to evade rifamycin antibiotics, showing antimicrobial resistance is more complex and evolved than previously recognized. The discovery has implications for finding new antibiotics and combating the growing global health threat of antimicrobial resistance.